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Artemis Emperor Worship

Ephesus: Traditional Deities
Many Greco-Roman deities were worshiped in Ephesus. Dionysus, who was  associated with vines, wines, and joy, was honored in many cities. Festivals in his honor often included colorful processions like the one pictured above. Note the exuberant postures of the figures on parade. The figure behind the elephant holds a libation bowl.  Zeus, the chief male deity in the tradition, was the father of Artemis, the Ephesians’ patron goddess. Apollo, who was Artemis’s brother, was often pictured as the ideal of manliness. His powers were often related to music, prophecy, and the care of flocks and herds.